Imagine it’s the 1940s. The world is in the middle of a huge war, and for the first time, many women in America are working full-time jobs. This was a big change because, before this, most women stayed at home. During this time, a talented organic chemist named Hazel Bishop was busy creating aircraft fuel for oil companies. But she had a secret passion: she wanted to make better cosmetics.
Even though women were working hard in their new jobs, society still expected them to look polished and well-groomed. This meant spending a lot of time fixing their makeup, which was frustrating for many, including Hazel. She noticed that the lipsticks available at the time were not only messy but also bad for the lips. They contained bromo acid stains that dried out the lips, making them uncomfortable to wear.
In her free time, Hazel started experimenting with different ingredients. She played around with stains, dyes, oils, and even molten wax. After years of experimenting and a sudden burst of inspiration, she created something amazing: one of the first smudge-proof, long-lasting lipsticks. This lipstick was perfect for working women because it stayed on for a long time and kept lips healthy and moisturized.
Hazel’s lipstick was marketed as the only “kissable” lipstick, and it quickly became a hit. Women loved it because it made their lives easier and kept them looking great. Soon, other companies noticed her success and started making their own versions of smudge-proof lipsticks and other practical cosmetics. Today, the lipstick industry is worth billions of dollars, and it all started with Hazel Bishop’s brilliant idea.
Did you know that the cosmetics industry is now a multi-billion dollar business? Thanks to pioneers like Hazel Bishop, we have a wide variety of products that help us express ourselves and feel confident every day.
Imagine you are living in the 1940s, just like Hazel Bishop. Create a short skit with your classmates where you act out a day in the life of a working woman during this era. Focus on the challenges of balancing work and maintaining appearance. Discuss how Hazel’s invention might have changed your daily routine.
Conduct a simple experiment by mixing safe, everyday ingredients to create your own version of a smudge-proof lipstick. Use items like food coloring, coconut oil, and beeswax. Document your process and results, and compare them with Hazel Bishop’s innovative approach.
Engage in a class debate about the role of cosmetics in society. Discuss whether cosmetics are essential or optional, and how inventions like Hazel’s have impacted societal expectations. Consider both historical and modern perspectives.
Research other women who have made significant contributions to science and technology, like Hazel Bishop. Create a presentation highlighting their achievements and the impact of their work on modern society. Share your findings with the class.
Design a marketing campaign for Hazel Bishop’s smudge-proof lipstick. Develop a slogan, create an advertisement, and plan a strategy to reach working women of the 1940s. Present your campaign to the class and explain why it would be effective.
In a Moment of Vision… It’s the 1940s. The world is at war, and for the first time in American history, women are joining the full-time workforce in large numbers. An organic chemist named Hazel Bishop is in the midst of designing aircraft fuel for various oil companies. However, her true interests lie elsewhere. The influx of women in the workforce hasn’t changed societal expectations, and working women are still expected to look well-groomed regardless of their profession. Bishop is frustrated with the time it takes to touch up her makeup.
Although the FDA has begun regulating cosmetics, some ingredients in lipsticks can be harmful to lip health. The bromo acid stains used to maintain color in most lipsticks can be very drying. In her spare time, Bishop experiments with stains and dyes, mixing oils, and working with molten wax. After years of hard work and a moment of inspiration, she introduces one of the first smudge-proof, long-lasting lipsticks designed for working women that not only adds color but also keeps lips healthy and moisturized. Marketed as the only kissable lipstick, Bishop’s product quickly gains popularity, leading rival companies to replicate her lipstick and develop other practical cosmetics. Today, lip cosmetics are a billion-dollar industry.
Lipstick – A cosmetic product containing pigments, oils, waxes, and emollients that apply color and texture to the lips. – In chemistry class, we learned how different pigments in lipstick can affect its color and texture.
Chemist – A scientist who studies the composition, properties, and reactions of substances. – The chemist explained how different chemical reactions can create new compounds.
Ingredients – Substances that are combined to make a particular product, especially in chemistry or cooking. – We analyzed the ingredients in the lab to understand how they interact in a chemical reaction.
Stains – Substances used to color materials, often used in scientific experiments to highlight specific components. – The biology teacher used stains to make the cells visible under the microscope.
Dyes – Colored substances that chemically bond to materials, often used in textiles and scientific experiments. – In the chemistry lab, we experimented with different dyes to see how they change the color of fabrics.
Oils – Hydrophobic substances that are liquid at room temperature and are used in various chemical processes. – The experiment demonstrated how oils can be used to create emulsions in chemistry.
Wax – A solid substance that is malleable at room temperature and used in various chemical applications. – We learned how wax can be used to create a protective coating in chemistry.
Smudge-proof – Resistant to smearing or smudging, often used to describe cosmetics or inks. – The new smudge-proof formula was tested to ensure it would not smear under different conditions.
Cosmetics – Products applied to the body, especially the face, to enhance or alter appearance. – The chemistry behind cosmetics involves understanding how different compounds affect skin and appearance.
Healthy – Beneficial to one’s physical or mental condition, often used to describe safe and non-toxic substances. – The chemist emphasized the importance of using healthy ingredients in skincare products.
